How did it go?

The Celina Public Library Story-time at The Graves Farm happened a week ago Friday now. I've been meaning to talk about how it went. Overall, it went wonderfully. The ingredients were 1 cup of internal struggle/turmoil,  3 cups of organized chaos, along with sprinkles of sheer pleasure mixed in. Blend well, bake at a high barn temperature, and the outcome is many happy children chasing farm animals.
We begin by putting balloons on the mailbox out at the road. This helps people find us, and alert them that they are indeed not lost. The string of cars come down the gravel road (that leads to the house) like a facet with a slow drip. Consistent, nonstop and methodically, the cars pull in and park. Parents unload kids out of minivans like clown cars. They all migrate, hesitantly, to someone who can tell them what to do next. Lauren, Youth Services Librarian, and a young unaware teenage family friend are manning the gate to this wonderment, showing them the way towards the barn not hardly a stones throw away. Most have traveled from the Celina area out to Gunter for this "show" of sorts. Storytime, we call it, but it's much more than that.
As the adults and children file in, they gather and look around, while becoming more brave to interact with the animals that are around, slowly. David and I encourage them to pet the sheep, hold a chicken, or pet/feed the donkeys. Some of the barn cats do allow petting, and 2 out of our 3 dogs rather enjoy all this attention. Whisper, whose name fits her well, is not a fan of the myriad of people. She's one of our Great Pyrenees dogs who guards the property with her brother, Levi. Events with this many people are not something she enjoys. Levi is the one who soaks it all in - for the both of them. Then there's Little Maybe, our King Charles spaniel who devours every bit of attention she gets. Loving literally every minute of it. We should have named her Happy.
Gathering everyone and corralling them into the barn for the actual story time part is always an interesting endeavor. By now, everyone is settling into the environment, and ready to mix and mingle with the animals. We (David, Lauren and I) begin to set the tone for the start of it all. We lure them into the barn, and Lauren welcomes everyone, then introduces David and I as the hosts. We go directly into singing our first song, Rise and Shine, to welcome everyone and get them in a singing mood. Then, straight into Itsy Bitsy Spider. I've got my music Bose box with my karaoke tunes I bought off of iTunes, and we are starting this off right. Next, comes the first book. No Sleep for the Sheep. A farm book, of course. David had gotten a projector, and Lauren had scanned the pictures from the books so we could show it on the side of the barn, for those who couldn't see the book I was holding very well. This was followed by a peppy rendition of Old McDonald Had A Farm - using the animals all around us. The sheep, mind you, are Baaaaa-ing in the barn along with us, and the donkeys are standing close by, sticking their faces in to watch what is happening. The chickens are mingling amongst the children sitting, while Lauren and I are making a spectacle of ourselves singing and dancing. Some children are singing along, and going through the hand motions with us, while the others are staring at us as if they are watching a show. The Lauren and Cyndi show, who doesn't always know the words, singing loudly and off pitch, just dancing our hearts out. I'm having a blast!
Next up, another book, Duck On A Bike, and then back to the music. We end it all with the Chicken Dance. You know that one. The music of the Chicken Dance is an all time favorite. Often played at roller skating rinks, hokey wedding receptions and anywhere people may have drank too much and there's a DJ involved. And there I was, leading this hand quacking, arm flapping, clapping type of dance in a packed barn with children staring blankly up at me. Many participated, while others watched the crazy lady doing the Chicken Dance. It was great.
I then had a word vomit moment, and said, "Let's head out to feed the donkeys now!". I had carrots ready for all the children. You know the ones, the carrots that are finger foods, already cut about two inches long.....and look just like a finger to the donkeys. David shot me a look, like what the &%$#? I opened one side of the barn gate, and the flood of children with adults in tow, picked their chosen carrot and made a b-line toward the donkeys. David quickly made his way through the crowd of people in a haste to get to the donkeys and referee this activity. I'll summarize it by saying the donkeys ate well that morning, and all the children did indeed leave with all fingers intact.
But that's not the end. It never is. You know all that hesitance and reservation people had when they first arrived? It's gone now. And kids are everywhere, chasing chickens, and doing things kids do. We had set up a craft table for stamping farm animals on paper, and some kids were making their masterpieces. Other children were out in the pasture, running wildly about. It takes time, a lot of time, for everybody to leave. It's like this every time. Families would like to make a day of this. What they all don't realize, is this is actually our house, where we live. Many people think we are a business. People will ask, "Are you open to the public?" or "Which days are you open" or my favorite, "Do you take donations?'"
The joy of seeing the children - and their parents - enjoying all that is The Graves Farm is priceless. In some ways, I don't want the people to leave. I want them to stay and enjoy it. On the other hand, I know it's best for them to leave while no one is hurt. There's wasps, large animals, and danger lurking for unsuspecting children. There's so many great things for the children to do here, but it's the 'danger' part that brings the struggle and turmoil to David and I. We had even considered having a waiver signed before entering. The liability for such an event, with close to 100 people, could be devastating.
Yet again, we are fortunate that everyone left safe and sound. The animals were exhausted. They are not used to being chased by small children, or being entertained by them for so long, either. I think the animals are just as curious as the children are, about each other. It's a wonderful opportunity for all involved.
As that particular day drew to a close, David and I were happy, relieved and extremely satisfied. A lot of hard work and planning went into it, and was worth every bead of sweat. Everyone left as they came. Children were exposed to things they may not normally not see up close.
We have a "small shop" here on The Graves Farm. Nothing fancy. A hobby farm, of sorts. Full of much love, gentleness and freedom. The 12 year old self inside me never tires of it. Neither does the 54 year old self.
My favorite part? Being a child that day, too. Singing and dancing as if no one was watching. Yet, they all were, and I just kept singing my song. Having the time of my life. Children bring this out in us. Carefree and no judgment.
Love that,
Cyndi